Yes, there are different penalties for the two charges. A DUI charge, in comparison to a reckless driving charge, comes with a very high fine. A person could face up to 5 years in prison for a felony OVI. For a reckless driving charge, the maximum jail sentence is 60 days.
Read more to learn about the different penalties for DUI and reckless driving in Ohio.
If someone is charged with a DUI, the first three offenses are usually considered misdemeanors in Ohio. The severity of the penalties is largely dependent on the details of the arrest and how many DUIs the convicted person has had previously. The more DUI offenses you have been convicted of, the harsher the penalties will be. The higher your BAC was when you were charged, the higher the penalties may be.
Some of the penalties you could face if convicted of a DUI include:
In some situations, a DUI attorney may be able to help get your charge reduced to reckless driving.
The penalties a person could face for a reckless driving conviction in Ohio vary depending on whether the offender has any prior traffic offenses, but typically the consequences are not as severe as a DUI. These penalties might include:
A reduction in charge may be possible if this is your first DUI conviction, no accident or damage occurred, your BAC was barely over the legal limit, or if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence.
The DUI defense attorneys at The Farrish Law Firm, L.P.A. may be able to help you reduce your DUI charge to reckless driving. Our experienced Ohio defense lawyers will examine every detail of your case to get you the best outcome. Your interests are our interests. Contact our Cincinnati office today.
Kelly Farrish always knew he wanted to be an attorney, but he the path he took to get there isn’t like most. He served five years in the United States Air Force and did two voluntary years in South Vietnam. When he returned to Cincinnati, he worked the midnight shift as a technician at Cincinnati Bell, all the while attending college full time year round for three years. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]